Exam Hall Derbyshire Delight

You'll probably all know the story of the plague village that is Eyam Hall , it's a beautiful place that experienced real tragedy in the time of the plague. If you know don't about the history here is the potted history version of it all , in 1665 some foes infested cloth was delivered from London to a tailor in the quaint village of Eyam.

Within a week the tailors assistant was dead; others in the household soon followed.

With the village turning to the clergy for guidance, Reverend William Mompesson and Puritan Minister Thomas Stanley ; amongst the village was the village ended in to a self imposed quarantine. During 14 months no one left or entered the village 

To get produce and items into the village during the time of the Black Death they left money in stones just outside the village boundary .

There is so much to see in this beautiful part of Derbyshire I'm very lucky to live in this part of the country and with a great motorway/road access travelling here is easy. Eyam Hall is a must see the guides at this Natiinal Trust property ; are friendly and informative , the hall has only been a National Trust property these past 3 years .

Top tip get here early if you want the free National Trust parking ( if you're a National Trust member ) or drive past the district Carpark to the Parish one which is free.Also you could bring your own picnic as there are plenty of places to sit whilst enjoying the peaceful ambiance of the village.

The house is small but charming and the gardens are an utter delight combine the hall with the Plague museum and you're set for a beautiful historic day.

 

Nigel The Avocado

I'd like to announce the purchase of my first Avacado aged 43 and 3/4 it's a momentous occasion which I duly thinks  needs celebrating.

This is Nigel the Avocado he's quite shy , he likes Zumba dancing , moonlight walks and the complete works of Shakespeare. Unfortunately I'm not a fan of Zumba so we won't quite the match '

I felt that Nigel had to prove himself and so it was decided that he would sacrifice himself for Gucamole .

 

 I'm fully aware now this is the wrong way to dispatch an Avocado as I've been told a lot.

Disclosure Beware of supermarket dating . A moment of silence please for Nigel as we dip pause and eat in celebration of his life .  

Ever the serious blogger I await my award nominations.... they're in the never never post you say ?

  

Small Is Beautiful , Blackberry Yogurt Crunch

It's the holidays didn't you know and I'm not quite sure what day it is , I think I've got holiday feral ! I'm making the days count even if I'm not really sure what day it is . The other day whilst the men folk were out earning or doing  teenage stuff ~ like learning to drive . I took it upon my self to forage upon the ancient hedgerows that surround me , walking up bliss along side the hedges gives you a different prospective upon life . Admittedly I took a huge tub with the hopes of a plentiful bounty but alas no. 

Thinking about it , it really isn't alas as small is beautiful I think and you'll perhaps he more appreciative of what you've gathered.

It was a small but beautiful haul and that's ok , combined with some natural yogurt and some Granola you can have your very own Blackberry no cook crumble. 

Life doesn't have to be complicated why complicate it when it doesn't need to be ?

Are Those Holiday Extras Really Worth Paying For ?

Are those holiday extras really worth it ?

The bigger your family then obviously the costs increase !

Every singe cost extra wise is out there for grabs for priority boarding , meals extra baggage there is a cost pretty much for everything. This is standard nowadays on flights and on a short hop flight say from Amsterdam you're ok you can go get your meal deal move you're through security from Boots say.

Obviously as a family when you go to and from your destination you want to sit together , well hopefully you do !!

With my holiday to Fuerventura which is all inclusive you didn't get any meals at all to buy these separately is £10 each so for a family of 3 of course that is £30. Then there is the seat selection which is £13 per person so you can ensure that you all sit together . Then there is a niggle over the baggage some places are generous in their allowance I mean 15 kg is enough but you just never know especially perhaps if you have younger ones which I don't . So I have paid £120  which was a 3 for 2 deal which allows us to all sit together, have 5 kg extra baggage and our meals which are James Martin inspired are thrown in . I really really hope for the extra £120 have have had to pay that Thomas Cook will be throwing in the extra James Martin to go along with my holiday !

Awwwh well a girl can dream eh ?

Holiday Extras Manchester Hotel Airport Stay

Prior to our family stay in Amsterdam and thanks to Holiday Extras we were given the opportunity to stop in a Mecure Bowden Hotel near to Manchester airport from where we were flying.

The hotel was part of the Mecure chain of hotel and they're a very fine chain of hotel , the Manchester hotel whilst being under the Mercure banner wasn't quite up to the usual Mecure standard. This hotel is a 3 star ,We were placed in the basement and the room itself was a little dark and didn't have a good outlook ~ we looked out into the car park. I didn't get the opportunity to look st any of the other rooms , I'd preferred not to have been in the basement Having said that the hotel itself was in a ideal location being in Hale and whilst we could of had simple delicious bar meals in the hotel itself we however decided to wander out. And we glad we did as Hale is a rather lively and pleasant little town hamlet with a quintessential village feel.

The hotel has many facilities it has 87 air conditioned rooms which are complete with flatscreen televisions , hair dryer,trouser press,free wifi , complimentary tea ~ coffee making facilities . An added bonus is that guests are able to make free use of the leisure facilities before for unwinding before your flight. The hotel staff were very attentive and were very friendly and check in was swift and efficient. The cost for the hotel stay and a week in the long stay car park comes in at about £86 . 

We decided to eat at a pizza chain restaurant where we found the staff attentive and pleasant , after a hearty meal we strolled back. We had a good night sleep as the beds were comfortable, the wifi was a little sketchy being in the basement but it's a small quibble. The hotel I must stress is very convenient indeed for Manchester airport.

The parking at Manchester airport was quick and easy with where we needed to be easily sigh posted . And we had the security of knowing that the car would be looked after very well . I wouldn't hesitate in recommending Holiday Extras for your airport hotel and parking needs. One day I'd really like to go for one of those meet and greets just so I can feel like a VIP as we roll up in our new car !